Filling their need for a proven tailback, the Denver Broncos on Monday reached a contract agreement with Travis Henry, who was released on Saturday by the Tenenessee Titans to avoid paying him an $8.3 million roster bonus.

Henry will sign a five-year contract that includes $12 million in guarantees, ESPN.com has learned.

Within hours of his release, Henry flew to Denver and visited with Broncos officials over the weekend, while agent Hadley Engelhard negotiated a deal. Henry also drew considerable interest from the Oakland Raiders, who hoped to bring him in for a visit this week.

Henry, 28, carried 270 times for 1,211 yards and seven touchdowns in 2006, and notched six 100-yard outings. The former University of Tennessee standout spent the first four years of his career with the Buffalo Bills before being traded to the Titans in 2005.

In 78 games, including 62 starts, Henry has carried 1,321 times for 5,395 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also has 134 receptions for 886 yards and two scores. In addition to his 1,000-yard season in 2006, Henry ran for over 1,000 yards in two of his four seasons with the

It's tough to say if this helps or hurts us - actually, impossible. It does make a tough opponent stronger. OTOH, it also gives SD more competition. In the quest for a playoff bye we're better off with Indy, SD and Denver (and Baltimore) all having tough divisions to get some losses across the board in the conference.

I have ALWAYS like Henry, even when he was in Buffalo. Its a very good pick up for Denver, with one Caviat. He's a great runner, but not a great guy, and he's only on mistake away from being lost for the year in the substance abuse program. Its unlikely, but it HAS to be a concern.